5 Days (North Serengeti Migration) - Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

Frequently Asked Questions About 5-Day Serengeti Safaris

Can I see the migration on a 5-day Serengeti safari?

• “Experiencing the migration of nearly two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle is definitely achievable on a 5-day safari in the Serengeti. If you're fortunate enough to witness it, the migration is an incredible sight to behold. However, careful planning is essential.

• There are no strict guidelines on when and where to observe the migration. Each year presents its unique patterns, though some general trends typically hold. Wildebeests specifically tend to give birth in large numbers in the southern Serengeti during January and February, making it the prime time to be in the southern part of the park. The herds then move north through the park, often found near the Grumeti Game Reserve and the Western Corridor around June or July.

• By August, the animals are usually located in (or on their way to) the northern Serengeti, often crossing the Mara River into Kenya and the Masai Mara in September.”

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Is there a self-drive option for a 5-day Serengeti trip?

• Self-drive safaris are rarer than private or group safaris in Serengeti National Park, but they are definitely an option. An increasing number of operators are providing self-drive safari experiences throughout northern Tanzania’s safari circuit. Most of these trips start and finish in Arusha, which is ideal if you have limited time.

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• On a self-drive safari, you might spend 2 of your 5 days driving to and from the Serengeti. Depending on your starting point, this could take an entire day (for instance, from Arusha). In that case, you’ll have only 3 full days to explore the Serengeti. However, self-drive safaris offer a fantastic opportunity to travel: you can see a lot along the way, and you have the flexibility to choose when to stop and when to continue.

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How do I get to the Serengeti for a Migration safari tour?

• “There are two ways to get to the Serengeti: flying or driving. If you want to spend the maximum time possible in the Serengeti (as opposed to traveling to and from the park), flying is undoubtedly the best option. The downside is that flying is more expensive than traveling by road. On the plus side, however, you’ll have incredible views all the way into the park, and you should end up having so much more time to dedicate to your search for animals. Most people fly into one of the Serengeti’s airstrips from Arusha, or one of the airstrips in another park or reserve in northern Tanzania or southern Kenya. The other, cheaper option is driving.

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• How long the drive takes will depend on where you’re starting your journey. The most common starting point is Arusha, which is a full day’s drive to the Serengeti. You’ll see a lot along the way, and have the chance to experience Tanzania in a way that you just can’t when flying, although you’ll have less time in the actual Serengeti.”

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How much does a 5-day Serengeti safari cost?

• “Prices for a 5-day safari in the Serengeti can vary widely. Generally, you can expect costs to range from US$150 to US$200 per person per day for budget options, while luxury fly-in safaris can exceed US$500 per day. Opting for a fly-in-fly-out safari may add US$300 to your total tour cost. It’s always recommended to check with your safari operator if the Serengeti park fees (US$60 for adults and US$30 for children per day) are included in the quoted price. Regardless, you should consider these fees when calculating your overall expenses.

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• Several factors will influence the amount you pay. One major factor is your choice of accommodation. Camping on a safari where you assist with camp duties will be more economical than a high-end luxury experience that caters to all of your needs. Most safari experiences will typically fall somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. The time of year you travel also plays a role in pricing, as high season—which runs from July to March—comes with elevated costs. Additionally, the type of safari you choose is significant: private safaris, where you have exclusive access to your guide and vehicle, will generally be pricier than self-drive or group safaris.”

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What is the best time of the year for a Serengeti trip?

• “The ideal period for a 5-day safari in the Serengeti spans from June to February. The Dry season, which lasts from June to October, offers clear skies, pleasant temperatures (though some nights can be quite chilly), and favorable tracking conditions. Later in the Dry season, particularly in September and October, animals are easier to see as water sources diminish, causing herds to gather in closer proximity.

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• While brief rain showers may occur in November and December, these ‘short rains’ typically consist of little more than an afternoon thunderstorm. More significant rainfall, known as the long rains, usually takes place from March to May each year.

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• For bird enthusiasts, the optimal months to visit are from November (when migratory birds flood into the Serengeti) to April (when they depart).

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• The timing of the migration fluctuates annually, but it generally moves through the southern region of the Serengeti during January and February, then travels through the Western Corridor and Grumeti in June and July, and finally reaches the northern park areas in August and September.”

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How physically demanding is a 5-day Tanzania safari?

• The safari itself is not particularly strenuous, as most game drives are done from a 4x4 vehicle, and the terrain can be bumpy. However, you may engage in some short walks or hikes depending on the tour. It’s important to have a moderate level of fitness to handle the drives and occasional walking safaris.

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Can I combine a Zanzibar beach holiday with a safari?

• Absolutely! Many travelers choose to combine their Zanzibar beach holiday with a Serengeti Migration safari. You can spend a few days on the beaches of Zanzibar before heading to the mainland for a safari adventure.

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What is included in a typical 5 day Serengeti safari package?